Richard Cussons

Things Rewarding For Border Collies

Rewards are ideal in motivating a dog to exhibit positive behaviors. It is therefore important for owners to know the things their dog finds rewarding...

While their intelligence makes border collies highly trainable, training them can be quite a challenge especially to a first time dog owner because these dogs are very receptive and are constantly thinking. Inappropriate training method is all it takes to shatter your dreams of having a well-trained border collie.

Same is true to other dogs, using rewards in training border collies is far more effective than punishment-based training. Using rewards in border collie training aims to increase the chance of the behavior being exhibited again. It is therefore important to know what are the things your dog finds rewarding.

Special Food Treat.
Most dog owners use food treats to motivate their dog to obey certain commands. However, not all dog treats have the same effect. You probably know that juicy piece of meat or sharp scented cheese is far more enticing than dried out, bland and crumbly dog treats. So be sure to get one which appeals the most to your dog.

Treats used in training should be small so that you can give the dog large number of rewards yet never fill him up and affect his diet since dog treats should not be given as staple. To medium-sized dogs like border collies, a 1/3 inch square treat is just right.

Affection and Praise.
Who doesn't like emotional rewards? Some says that praise and affection are old school methods and do not work anymore. But this isn't true to border collies. Being sensitive dogs who thrive on praise, border collies will definitely love all the attention and praise they can get from you.

When he remained at his location after you give the command "stay", praise him. When he sit, praise him and rub his belly. For whatever positive behavior your dog is showing, remember to give him praise and affection.

Praise is often used with dog treats.

Toys.
Do you often come home to a messy house with your rugs into bits and pieces? or shoes with missing strap? You can train your dog to stop chewing on your precious belongings by providing him with chew toys. Most chew toys are made of durable rubber toys that are safe for your dog. They come in variety of sizes and shapes. Some can be loaded with treats to keep Fido busy for hours. Do not buy chew toys with strings, buttons, loose fabric, small parts or parts that may break into pieces.

Other types of dog toys are fetch toys, plush and stuffed toys, rope toys, kongs and interactive toys. A dog will surely do anything to get one or more of these toys.

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